Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen returned to Kentucky for his senior season, in hopes of improving his draft stock for the 2019 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound senior has accomplished what he set out to achieve when he announced his return last January. Allen has been the rock and leader of a Kentucky defense that has been one of the best in program history.

Allen’s strong senior campaign has positioned him to be a top ten pick in the NFL Draft in April. Mel Kiper Jr. released his updated big board on Thursday, where he ranked Allen 4th overall.

On the season, Allen has totaled 84 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, six quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles, and four pass breakups. Earlier this season, Allen set a new Kentucky single season sack record and broke the record for most sacks in a UK career.

The former two-star recruit was named a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year. Additionally, he’s a finalist for the Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, and the Lott IMPACT Trophy National Defensive Player of the Year.

About the author /

Shawn Smith is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, where he earned a degree in elementary education. He currently resides in Middlesboro, Kentucky and is a credentialed media member at the University of Kentucky. Smith founded and published Go Big Blue Country in November 2016. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @gbbcountry or reach him via email at gobigbluecountry@gmail.com